Vivaldi: Sacred Music, Vol. 1

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
To mark its 20th birthday, Hyperion has had the bright idea of repackaging (and, in some cases, remastering) 20 of its most successful discs and offering them at midprice for a limited period. This Vivaldi CD originally was issued as the first in an ongoing series of choral music. Vivaldi's choral works? Yes, he by no means restricted himself to brilliantly virtuoso instrumental writing, and, when required, could turn his attention to more devout matters--to equally thrilling effect. Track 1, the opening of the Magnificat, knocks your socks off with its unique mix of crazy harmonies and ethereal melodic lines. King has assembled a group of singers and players who appreciate the real worth of this much-misunderstood figure. As well as the Magnificat itself (which is full of delightful surprises, not least of which is the divine soprano duet, "Esurientes," which is sung by Susan Gritton and Lisa Milne), there is the fervent and joyous Dixit Dominus and a profoundly moving Credo. The documentation lives up to the standards of the performances, including an excellent note by Vivaldi expert Michael Talbot. The music here belongs with the best of Vivaldi's output, and is more than capable of standing alongside his more popular concertos. --Harriet Smith

Tracks:

Magnificat, RV610a: Magnificat
Magnificat, RV610a: Et exultavit
Magnificat, RV610a: Et misericordia
Magnificat, RV610a: Fecit potentiam
Magnificat, RV610a: Deposuit potentes
Magnificat, RV610a: Esurientes
Magnificat, RV610a: Suscepit Israel
Magnificat, RV610a: Sicut locutus est
Magnificat, RV610a: Gloria
Lauda, Jerusalem, RV609
Kyrie Eleison, RV587: Kyrie eleison
Christie eleison, RV587: Christie eleison
Kyrie Eleison, RV587: Kyrie eleison
Credo In Unum Deum, RV591: Credo In Unum Deum
Credo In Unum Deum, RV591: Et incarnatus est
Credo In Unum Deum, RV591: Crucifixus
Credo In Unum Deum, RV591: Et resurrexit
Dixit Dominus, RV594: Dixit dominus
Dixit Dominus, RV594: Donec ponam
Dixit Dominus, RV594: Virgam virtutis tuae
Dixit Dominus, RV594: Tecum principium
Dixit Dominus, RV594: Juravit Dominus
Dixit Dominus, RV594: Dominus a dextris tuis
Dixit Dominus, RV594: Judicabit in nationibus
Dixit Dominus, RV594: De torrente
Dixit Dominus, RV594: Gloria
Dixit Dominus, RV594: Sicut erat in principio

Customer Reviews:

It's not Bach, but then, who is!.......2007-07-15

Before reading the other reviews of this disc, I expected to discount it to four stars, but I, the perennial amateur, am convinced by those more familiar with music of this period to find new things in Vivaldi's light touch. An excellent disc if you can get it at a resonable price.

Spectacular, yet not quite right.......2005-05-10

Wow! I feel a great hesitation and humility to disagree with such consistent, overwhelming reviews. And yet, even after several intense relistenings, I do disagree--quite a bit, as you can see from my rating. Why?

First, let me be very clear: I am not panning the technical brilliance of this work. It is unimaginably executed; words fail me. There are solo passages of diamond brilliance, that soar all the higher for being lifted and nestled in choral work like deep, rich velvet. The Soprano-Alto duets (a particular Vivaldi favorite) seem to come from no human throats. There's a particular sort of ornamentation that Vivaldi loved that can be liquid and light on a keyboard, but is hard to make other than labored on strings, and even the best singers stumble into a kind of mumble; but here, every note is clear, every note is exactly on pitch, every note is in perfect balance throughout the chorus and orchestra, every note's dynamics and attack are crafted in precise measure. To say there are no mistakes here is hardly to begin; to say that things are done here that have never been heard is only half-satisfactory.

Further, let me also be clear: this is not some heartless, bloodless "Music For The Royal Synthesizer" kind of precision. This performance has huge emotional range. Every piece, every line shows a clearly thought-out, finely crafted nuance of meaning. Someone meditated long and hard on the meaning of these texts and settings, and then somehow managed to communicate those thoughts to the whole ensemble, and then, quite magically, all managed to repeat the lesson together, perfectly.

But there, unfortunately, is just exactly where the problem is. Because the actual mood selected is just that tiny shade "off." Every piece, every solo, every filigree, is just one shade too dark. Mary's opening to her Magnificat is not humbly glorified at being chosen to bear the Son of God, but more like chastened and beat down. The "Amens" that shout agreement are some kind of hammer-blows. The "Credo" of confidence is a battle-cry.

I dunno ... Maybe it's a trans-Atlantic thing. This mood thing is significantly carried in the shape of the vowels, but I'm American and the singers are British (a major vowel-disagreement, that). Then, too, I note in the liner that the orchestra is tuned to A-415, which I believe is a bit brighter than European-normal but still darker than the Yankee standard; maybe I'm just mishearing the pitch.

I'm glad that so many reviewers found this work so glorious; the things they say are just exactly the things that ought to be said about Vivaldi, and the performance they heard is just the performance Vivaldi deserves, and can well provide if paired with the right performers. I just wish I'd heard the same.

The perfect sacred music!.......2001-09-01

The work of Antonio Vivaldi is often ignored by students of classical music. His name lacks the prestige of many other "popular" classical composers. But Vivaldi's work is a particular and fantastic type. For those not familiar with Vivaldi, his work is a very light and active counterpoint to the sacred music we may be familiar with. This disc and the others in this series flawlessly demonstrate Vivaldi's skill. The mix of moods is quite equal to the powerful works from the Bible or the various Catholic rites (in Latin, of course!) to which they are set. "Fecit Potentiam" is fantastically powerful, the Credo is exciting and uplifting. This recording is a must for any lover of sacred music, and anyone who enjoys the works of Vivaldi.

The greatest Vivaldi anywhere!.......2001-07-14

Looking for clear, crisp, exciting, passionate choral music? This is the most *perfect* Vivaldi I can imagine--King has auditioned all of Britain to assemble what is perhaps the most amazing ensemble of all Baroque music. The musical (i.e., NOT warbly and incomprehensible) soloists, the perfectly in-tune and crystal-clear boys' choir, the strong male chorus--only add to the wonderfully expressive double-orchestra (complete with period instruments) which King conducts with wonderful mastery. I picked up this CD as probably my fiftieth Vivaldi collection, expecting a so-so performance of somewhat long-winded works. WAS I EVER wrong!!! My personal favorite on the CD is the short but extremely powerful Credo, with its pulsating and rhythmic (yet always lyrical) opening, its subdued but chilling Crucifixus (the pamphlet commentator eloquently describes this as the voices of a few spectators in the crowd watching Christ carry his cross--what a great discription!), and its envigorating end.

This is no "standard" or "traditional" (i.e. fall-asleep) interpretation--this is fire, this is light, this is music come alive.

The enormous and "opulent" Dixit Dominus is wonderful, too. I simply can't communicate how well this ensemble understands and conveys the music--no, not only the music, but the meaning of the words. Imagine yourself in a grand European cathedral, with the sounds of sacred music echoing through the entire church, bringing life and purity to the scripture--the music surrounding, permeating, uplifting. THAT's what this CD is all about.

All I can say is: buy this CD. It deserves every award in its domain.

Vivaldi Soars to Unimaginable Heights.......2001-03-14

Renan is absolutely correctly is his assessment. This music portrays the compassion and beauty of heaven itself. Over the past year, I've been collecting the King's Consort Vivaldi "Sacred Music" suite, and this perhaps only pales to the haunting motets of "Sacred Music Vol. 2". Robert King must be applauded for his ability to obtain such beautiful performances from the vocalists, especially Susan Gritton. Enjoy every moment in this series because there are less than 100 Vivaldi sacred works known to exist.

Tracks:

Lauda Jerusalem in e, RV 609: Allegro: Lauda Jerusalem - Quoniam Confortavit - Qui Posuit... - Margaret Marshall/Ann Murray/Olga Hegedus/Jeffrey Tate/Alastair Ross
Intro Al Gloria in D, RV 642: 1. Allegro: Ostro Picta - Margaret Marshall/Olga Hegedus
Intro Al Gloria in D, RV 642: 2. Recitativo: Sic Transit Vana - Margaret Marshall/Olga Hegedus
Intro Al Gloria in D, RV 642: 3. Allegro: Linguis Favete - Margaret Marshall/Olga Hegedus
Gloria in D, RV 589: 1. Allegro: Gloria In Excelsis Deo - John Alldis Chor/John Constable
Gloria in D, RV 589: 2. Andante: Et In Terra Pax - John Alldis Chor/John Constable
Gloria in D, RV 589: 3. Allegro: Laudamus Te - Margaret Marshall/Ann Murray/John Constable
Gloria in D, RV 589: 4. Adagio - Allegro: Gratias Agimus Tibi - John Alldis Chor/John Constable
Gloria in D, RV 589: 5. Largo: Domine Deus, Rex Coelestis - Margaret Marshall/Jose Luis Garcia/John Constable
Gloria in D, RV 589: 6. Allegro: Domine Fili - John Alldis Chor/John Constable
Gloria in D, RV 589: 7. Adagio: Domine Deus, Agnus Dei - Birgit Finnila/John Alldis Chor/John Constable
Gloria in D, RV 589: 8. Adagio - (Allegro): Qui Tollis - John Alldis Chor/John Constable
Gloria in D, RV 589: 9. Allegro: Qui Sedes - Birgit Finnila/John Constable
Gloria in D, RV 589: 10. (Allegro): Quoniam - John Alldis Chor/John Constable
Gloria in D, RV 589: 11. Allegro: Cum Sancto Spiritu - John Alldis Chor/John Constable
Laudate Pueri in A, RV 602: 1. Allegro: Laudate Pueri - Margaret Marshall/Felicity Lott/John Alldis Chor/John Constable/Harold Lester
Laudate Pueri in A, RV 602: 2. Allegro: A Solis Ortu - Margaret Marshall/John Constable
Laudate Pueri in A, RV 602: 3. Andante: Excelsus Super Omnes - Felicity Lott/Harold Lester
Laudate Pueri in A, RV 602: 4. Andante: Quis Sicut Dominus - Margaret Marshall/John Constable
Laudate Pueri in A, RV 602: 5. Allegro Sit Nomen Domini - John Alldis/John Constable/Harold Lester
Laudate Pueri in A, RV 602: 6. Allegro: Suscitans - Margaret Marshall/Felicity Lott/John Constable/Harold Lester
Laudate Pueri in A, RV 602: 7. Allegro Molto: Ut Collocet - Felicity Lott/Harold Lester
Laudate Pueri in A, RV 602: 8. Allegro: Sit Nomen Domini - John Alldis Chor/John Constable/Harold Lester
Laudate Pueri in A, RV 602: 9. Andante: Gloria Patri - Margaret Marshall/John Constable
Laudate Pueri in A, RV 602: 10. Allegro: Sicut Erat - Margaret Marshall/Feliccity Lott/John Alldis Chor/John Constable/Harold Lester
Laudate Dominum in d, RV 606: Allegro - John Alldis Chor

Customer Reviews:

Vivaldi heavenly music for sacred ears.......2005-06-16

This is the first of 05 PHILIPS CD collection (420 648-2 to 652-2) and are among the best aviable. Altough recorded in the mid 70's and sometimes little heavy handed for 2005 Vivaldi lovers, it still very enjoyable. They are either dificult to find. Since the CD nº 01 to the last one, I took 15 years to complete the pack. On Amazon I have searched many times for nº 03, buying it, at last, this in july/2002. It's a great pack.
Vivaldi is well known for his nearly 450 string concertos specially for the first four of the 12 "Il cemento de l'armonia e invenzioni" commonlly known as the "Four Seasons", solded by thousands worldwide. Not so familiar are the choral works, wrote on the La Pieta charitable institution on Venice between 1703-17, most of them constituted by Psamls settings for choral and orchestra (Psalms 69,111,115,121,110,etc), and maybe the most popular is certainly the Glória RV589 recorded here in the first CD. The conductor Negri is what we call a "Vivaldologist" and pick by his fingers the ideal players he wants to make this job. And they are really fantastic: tenor Anthony Rolfe Johnson, sopranos Margaret Marshall and Felicity Lott, contralto Ann Murray, a great John Aldis Choir and an excelelent English Chamber Orchestra. The recordings are cristal clear and the ADD bass register is inspiring. You just have to seat and enjoy. The booklet is presented in four languages and give many historical details of the pieces, by Mr. Michel Talbot. On the series you'll see some compact works for one and for two choir and two orchestras together (these lasts were masterlly wrote, like Lauda jerusalem RV609 (on this CD) and "Domine ad adiuvandum me" RV593 (on disc 04); The same formation is used for longer settings like the Beatus Vir RV 597 (on disc 04) and Laudate Pueri on this CD. The reflexive movements like the openings of the Magnificats RV 610 (on disc 04) and RV611 (on disc 02) make you fell in heaven. Some other recording labels like Archiv and ASV you find some sets of this collection recorded on CD. The ASV team are either very fine with brisk tempos and a modern aproach of the pieces. Their're another good option, if you can find them. Hyperion have released a 10 CD complete collection with Robert King in a modern light view of these works in a excelent playing and recording. You can find them on Amazon (ASIN B00009WQUZ).
I rate this collection 5 star considering the virtuosity of the players, the quallity of the recording and the scarcity of these items on the marketplace (even on Amazon). I do recomend you listen to them (many, many times if possible) especially if you are a sacred-choral / Vivaldi-lover-admirer and are fond of the everlastig Word of God. Good listening. Capezio

The Good Life: Composers' Greatest Concertos, Vol. 3

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The Good Life: Composers' Greatest Concertos, Vol. 3

Manufacturer: Platinum Disc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00080ETYK
Release Date: 2005-04-05

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Century Classics, Vol. 5: 1700-1800

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Passions | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0000061M1
Release Date: 1998-03-10

Tracks:

Ruede La Vola - Al Ayre Espanol/Eduardo Lopez Banzo
Barroco Espanol Vol.2 'Ay Amor', Zarzuelas: Diferencias Sobre La Gayta - Al Ayre Espanol/Eduardo Lopez Banzo
Sinf in A, RV 158: Allegro Molto - Freiburger Barockorchester/Thomas Hengelbrock
Sinf in A, RV 158: Andante Molto - Freiburger Barockorchester/Thomas Hengelbrock
Sinf in A, RV 158: Allegro - Freiburger Barockorchester/Thomas Hengelbrock
Coro: Virgo Viginum - Balthasar-Neumann-Chor/Thomas Hengelbrock
Basso Solo: Fac Me Plagis - Balthasar-Neumann-Chor/Thomas Hengelbrock
Coro: Christe Cum Sit (Stabat Mater) - Balthasar-Neumann-Chor/Thomas Hengelbrock
Das Wohltemperierte Clavier 1st Part: Praeludium Et Fuga in C - Gustav Leonhardt
Das Wohltemperierte Clavier 1st Part: Praeludium Et Fuga in c - Gustav Leonhardt
St. Matthew Passion BWV 244: Choral: Herzliebster Jesu, Was Hast Du Verbrochen - La Petite Bande/Gustav Leonhardt
St. Matthew Passion BWV 244: Recitativo: Du Lieber Heiland Du - La Petite Bande/Gustav Leonhardt
St. Matthew Passion BWV 244: Aria: Buss Und Reu - La Petite Bande/Gustav Leonhardt
Introdutti Teatrail: Introduttione 1 in D - Freiburger Barockorchester/Thomas Hengelbrock
'Alessandro' Opr In Three Acts: Recitativo: E Tanto Ancor S'indugia - La Petite Bande/Sigiswald Kuijken
'Alessandro' Opr In Three Acts: Sinf - La Petite Bande/Sigiswald Kuijken
'Alessandro' Opr In Three Acts: Recitativo: Grazie All'eterno Giove - La Petite Bande/Sigiswald Kuijken
'Alessandro' Opr In Three Acts: Aria: Fra Le Stragi - La Petite Bande/Sigiswald Kuijken
Hamburg Syms, Concerti: Sym in C: Allegro Assai - Freiburger Barockorchester/Thomas Hengelbrock
Hamburg Syms, Concerti: Sym in C: Adagio - Freiburger Barockorchester/Thomas Hengelbrock
Hamburg Syms, Concerti: Sym in C: Allegretto - Freiburger Barockorchester/Thomas Hengelbrock
Ave Verum Corpus K 618: Motet - Nederlands Kamerkoor/Sigiswald Kuijken
Fl Con K 314: Rondeau. Allegro - Barthold Kuijken

Vivaldi: The Orchestral Masterpieces, Vol. 1 [Exclusive Free Sampler Included]

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Vivaldi: The Orchestral Masterpieces, Vol. 1 [Exclusive Free Sampler Included]

Manufacturer: Vanguard Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Polonaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Choruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0009NCPW4
Release Date: 2005-06-07

A Treasury of Early Music, Vol.4: Music of the Baroque

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A Treasury of Early Music, Vol.4: Music of the Baroque

Manufacturer: Haydn Society
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000009M5T
Release Date: 1998-10-10

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Vivaldi: Sacred Works, Vol. 1

Manufacturer: Tactus Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0009WVELI
Release Date: 2005-09-13

Tracks:

Laudate Pueri Dominum (Allegro)
Sit Nomen Domini (Allegro)
A Solis Ortu (Andante)
Excelsus Super Omnes (Larghetto)
Suscitans (Allegro Molto)
Ut Collocet Eum (Allegro)
Gloria Patri (Larghetto)
Amen (Allegro)
(Aria)
(Recitativo)
(Aria)
(Aria)
(Recitativo)
(Aria)
(Recitativo)
(Recitativo) Adagio
(Aria) Largo Non Molto
(Recitativo)
(Aria) Allegro
(Recitativo)
(Aria) Presto

Album Description

The director of the Tiepolo Baroque Orchestra, Vania Pedronetto, notes that "The Tiepolo Orchestra and the Red Priest have a common aim in life - to serve words. Even when there are no words and the language is music. So do not expect the sound in this recording to be monotonous and singsong, or for us to attempt to impress you with screams and sudden bursts of chaotic sound. In his sacred music, Vivaldi uses a heartfelt, ethereal language, which is never dull, but subtly ironical and at times even impassioned."

The Good Life: Composers' Greatest Concertos, Vol. 2

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The Good Life: Composers' Greatest Concertos, Vol. 2

Manufacturer: Platinum Disc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0009OUBRE
Release Date: 2005-06-07

Average customer rating:

A Hidden Gem

Sacred Planet

Manufacturer: Amiata Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

General | Compilations | International | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Magnificats | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00000ICPB
Release Date: 1999-03-30

Tracks:

Gloria In Re Maggiore, RV 589 (In Excelsis) - Antonio Vivaldi
The Journey's Beginning - Angelo Ricciardi
Didgeridoo - Gary Thomas
Dyulmano Dyulbero - The Bulgarian Voices
De Harmonices Mundi - Matteo Silva/Amelia Cuni
Glen Affric - In A Split Second
D'Ror Yikra - Alon Michael/Israel Edelson
Alleluia-Pascha Nostrum - Ustad Nishat Khan/Ensemble Gilles Binchois
El-Hadra - Klaus Wiese/Ted De Jong
Anticuna - Don Agustin Rivas
Ascension - Michael Vetter
Juppiter - Synaulia
From Me To You - Sainkho Namtchylak
Calore - Ludovico Einaudi
Magnificat In Re Maggiore, BWV 243 - J. S. Bach
Ejengi Ceremony - Da-Denjelle Pygmies
Putainoi - Nouthong Phimvilayphone
San Juan Turtle Dance - Garcia Brothers
Messiah: Isiah XL 1.3 - G. F. Handel
The Celestine Suite, 5th Movement - Andrea Ceccomori/Antonio Rossi

Customer Reviews:

A Hidden Gem.......2000-07-29

Having intially received this CD due to the presence of one track of Bulgarian choral music, I was astonished to discover the presence of a musical treasure trove!

"Sacred Planet" embodies everything an album should be. Not a mere collection of songs, each track leads well into the next, creating a soothing and fascinating listening experience. Care has obviously been taken to blend the songs together in a comprehensive phrase of music, rather than the clutter and clash of moods that so many albums seem to consist of.

This album is a collection of music from around the world. Each piece is a compelling look inside a given musical culture, and can be appreciated for its individual beauty. As a whole, any listener will be intrigued by being able to compare and contrast musical styles of many different cultures and time periods. This album houses inspiring music that motivates the listener to expand his or her horizons, branching out in unusual and deeply satisfying directions. A stunning procession of both vocal and instrumental music, this album must be heard to be believed.

Track Listings:

Track Listings

track listings

Track Listings

I've Visited the Island of Jocks and Jazz

Opernsänger einmal anders

Mississippi Fred McDowell

Essential Jimmy Scott [Import]

Halloween

Raise!

Mommy and Me: More Playgroup Favorites

Mother's Songs - Japanese Popular Songs

New England [Limited Edition] [Import]

Mahler: Symphony No .5

Mandolin Abstractions [Live]

Los Grandes de la Musica Tejana

Latin Music: 15 Postales de Amor

Gotta Have

Winter into Spring